On alert: multiple agencies tracking/watching sinkhole, gasses

BAYOU CORNE- A giant sinkhole that has developed was monitored overnight and into Saturday morning.The Louisiana State Police Air Support Unit kept their eyes on the scene, and are expected to return for more assessments.

The Louisiana State Police Hazmat Unit also continues to monitor developments.

Throughout the night, Louisiana National Guard used night vision-equipped aircraft to assist local leaders in monitoring the sinkhole.

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality staff continues to take air samples at bubbling sites for flammability and hydrogen sulfide. Thus far, there have been no levels high enough to register on the monitoring equipment.

People have been evacuated.

The state believes the sinkhole that developed Friday, and bubbles that were noticed nearly two months ago, are the likely cause of a salt dome failure.